I began songwriting in High School, but didn't really take it too seriously until I got into my twenties. I knew I had something when I wrote the song "Hell's Half Acre." Everywhere I played it I was asked if I had a CD available. Finally I recorded my debut album "Long Goodbyes" in February 2008. The album sold fairly well and the song "Get Back Home" was featured in a television pilot for Loon Productions. Another song, "Fisherman's Daughter," won runner up in the 2008 WorldQuest songwriting competition.

My first album was focused around the acoustic guitar. The stories were at the centre and the music came second. On my second release, "The Widow Sullivan," I expanded my songwriting and instrumentation. I played all of the instruments and produced the album myself. The Celtic vibe is there a plenty. I even snuck in a lullaby I wrote for my baby girl when she was only a bump and a blurry picture.

Keeping family involved in my music has been very important to me. My sister lends her voice on a few songs and my brother-in-law has served as my graphic designer for both albums as well as my website.

I continue to play locally and try to bring music as much as I can into my profession as an elementary school teacher.

Website: www.joechalmers.ca
Contact: chalmersmusic@hotmail.com
New Album Available: http://cdbaby.com/cd/chalmers2